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| Staff Writer |
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The Australian racing community gathered on Tuesday night for the prestigious awards ceremony, and Pride of Jenni stole the spotlight, being crowned Australian Racehorse for 2023/2024. The mare's triumphs under the watchful eye of trainer Ciaron Maher marked a night of celebration, emotion, and recognition for some of the best in the sport.
Pride of Jenni, already a multiple Group One winner, secured the title of Champion Middle Distance horse, a feat that once again demonstrated her prowess on the track. Her dominant victory in the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes cemented her position at the top of the ranks. The champion mare faced stiff competition in the Middle Distance category, prevailing over notable contenders such as Mr Brightside, Fangirl, and Romantic Warrior. The evening became even more poignant as the Ottobre family, owners of Pride of Jenni, shared a heartfelt tribute to their daughter, Jenni, whose spirit and strength they said lives on through their horse.
Reflecting on the evening, the Ottobres spoke with emotion, "Jenni displayed those same unique qualities," they said, recalling how her memory continues to inspire the success of their remarkable mare.
The three-year-old fillies’ category provided one of the night’s closest results, with Stefi Magnetica edging out Tropical Squall by the slimmest of margins. Stefi Magnetica's owner and breeder, Mitch Cunningham, expressed pride in the filly’s rapid rise under trainer Bjorn Baker. "Her progression has been enormous," Cunningham said, "Bjorn’s belief in her is enormous, and she has quickly gone to another level in her bid for the Everest."
Stefi Magnetica's rise has set her on course for even bigger things, as she looks to establish herself among Australia’s top three-year-old contenders in upcoming events.
In the male three-year-old category, the Champion Colt/Gelding award was bestowed posthumously upon Riff Rocket, whose untimely passing was mourned by many in the racing community. Owner Debbie Kaptitas delivered a moving tribute to the colt, recounting his remarkable career that included seven victories, each under a different jockey, a testament to his versatility and talent. Riff Rocket was a dual Derby winner, securing his place in racing history before his life was cut short.
Kaptitas, speaking with heartfelt emotion, honoured all seven jockeys who partnered the colt during his career, adding a deeply personal note to the celebration.
For James Cummings and the Godolphin team, the night delivered yet another accolade, as their outstanding colt Broadsiding was named Champion Two-Year-Old. The precocious colt, who has already turned heads with his blistering performances, stood head and shoulders above rivals Lady of Camelot and Storm Boy. With his eyes set on the upcoming Caulfield Guineas, Broadsiding is expected to make a significant impact on the Australian racing scene in the near future.
Cummings’ success continued throughout the evening, with his yard taking home multiple honours, further cementing Godolphin’s dominance in the world of thoroughbred racing.
Among sprinters, the irrepressible Imperatriz, daughter of I Am Invincible, clinched the Champion Sprinter title, much to the delight of her connections. Her electrifying performances over the shorter distances have made her a fan favourite, while her sire, I Am Invincible, once again claimed the Australian Champion Sire title for the fourth consecutive year, a remarkable achievement.
In the staying division, Without A Fight proved unbeatable, taking home the Champion Stayer award after a season of gruelling but successful campaigns. Stern Idol, meanwhile, celebrated a back-to-back triumph in the Champion Jumps category, a rare feat that speaks to his resilience and enduring class.
Chris Waller, a towering figure in Australian racing, added yet another accolade to his name, securing the title of Champion Group One Trainer after amassing 12 Group One victories during the season. Waller, known for his humility and team spirit, took the opportunity to praise his staff. "The thrills are not only on the big days but on the Wednesday meetings," Waller noted, adding, "Racing is 52 weeks of the year – it’s an addiction, and it all starts with the grassroots, supporting and motivating each other."
James McDonald, meanwhile, was honoured with his fourth straight Champion Group One Jockey title. Represented by his manager Mark Guest, McDonald’s contribution to the sport was celebrated with anecdotes and laughter, illustrating the qualities that have kept him at the elite level of the game.